Rhian Williams Kelly Higgin’s was a child when her mother, Bernadette McNeily, was convicted and imprisoned for life for her part in the horrific torture and murder of 16year old babysitter, Suzanne Capper, in Manchester in 1992. A tragedy
When adults attend the Family Court, people write reports, make notes and record information about children. Social Workers, CAFCASS officers, Solicitors and Judges may all write things that the Court rely on to make decisions about a
The public figure Bonnie Blue has recently publicised her unverified plans surrounding her pregnancy, including how she claims she became pregnant and her plans for an unconventional baby shower. There has been considerable discussion online about her
On 26th February 2025, the then President of the Family Law Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, brought in new guidance for Family Law Judges regarding them writing to children. A tool kit ‘Writing to children – a toolkit
When Care Proceedings are initiated to protect the welfare of a child, an important and key figure in this process is the Children’s Guardian. A Children’s Guardian, previously known as a Guardian ad litem, is an independent
Understanding the Public Law Outline. When a Local Authority (council) becomes worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing, it can step in. In England and Wales, the rules for how this happens are mainly set out in
The Ministry of Justice could come under pressure to fund and accelerate the expansion of ‘Pathfinder Courts’, following an independent review of the murder of 10 year old Sara Sharif, published by the Child Safeguarding Practice Review,
The Government has faced increasing pressure to confirm its plans for reform of its cohabitation law, to strengthen the rights and protections offered to those in cohabiting relationships. More people are living together without marrying. There are
Every child involved in court proceedings deserves to be safe. However, new evidence published on 21st October 2025 shows that assuming it is always in the best interest of a child to have the involvement of both
On 16th July 2025, the Home Office unveiled a £53million landmark package aimed squarely at the most dangerous domestic abuse perpetrators across England and Wales. The goal of the package is to tackle domestic abuse at its source,
The Drive Partnership is a partnership between Respect, Safelives and Social Finance. Respect: a membership organisation leading the development of safe and effective work with perpetrators, male victims, and young people using violence in their close relationships. Safelives: is
In recent years, the Family Justice System in England and Wales has faced increasing pressure and delays within family proceedings have become more common. These delays are significantly affecting families by way of uncertainty in respect of
Every life lost following domestic abuse leaves behind a family heartbroken. For too long these deaths have been treated as ‘unavoidable tragedies’, but they are not.’ – Julie Devey, Chair of Killed Women (organisation and network for
Gisele Pelicot is a name that, in certain circles, is associated with personal strength and resilience. She has recently emerged as a symbol of survival, particularly by those affected by Domestic Abuse. Her journey intersects with issues
What the 2024 Family Justice Council Guidance means for future Court cases Over recent years, the term Parental Alienation has become increasingly common, especially within Court proceedings relating to children. Allegations of alienating behaviours are often (but
Amid the current whirlwind of controversial allegations that surround Sean Combs, the backdrop to his behaviour has a prolonged history of allegations of domestic violence and abuse dating back to the 90’s. In November 2023, Cassandra Ventura
On 20th September 2024, the Home Office announced new measures aimed at improving their response to domestic violence within the Police. These measures form part of Raneem’s Law, a legislation announced in response to the failures leading
Four years after the domestic abuse bill was first promised in the late Queen’s speech in 2017, it finally became law on the 30th April 2021. The act further improves the effectiveness of the Justice system, providing
Approximately 25% of people in the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender community suffer from Domestic Abuse within relationships. However, it is considered that domestic abuse within these communities is underreported, as the persons are fearful that their
As of 24th April 2023, Love Bombing is now recognised by the Crown Prosecution Service as a sign of emotional abuse in the UK, but what is Love Bombing and what are the signs? Love Bombing is
Perpetrators of domestic violence could be made to sign a register if Labour wins power, the party has announced. Shadow Justice Secretary Steve Reed has said that perpetrators of domestic violence would be monitored in the same
Angel Lynn was in an abusive relationship with Chay Bowskill. On 17th September 2020, Angel was kidnapped by Bowskill. Bowskill was captured on CCTV chasing Angel down a street following an argument. He was seen to grab
There is currently a six-month time limit for a charge to be brought against someone for common assault. The BBC recently revealed that 13,000 cases in England and Wales have been dropped in the last 5 years,
It’s not coming home and I wish you weren’t either. Euros 2020. The highlight of year. Gareth Southgate leading our boys in white to the final. 120 minutes of white-knuckle entertainment, to see Italy win at the
